A Maryland public school district is suing Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. It is claiming that the social media giants and Big Tech are partially responsible for a worsening mental health crisis and rise in bullying among school children.
The 200-page lawsuit, filed by Prince George’s County Public Schools, alleges that social media companies designed their platforms without taking into consideration the consequences on a child’s mental health. The lawsuit states social media has played a role in the rise of eating disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts among teenagers.
“Unfortunately, students in our district and throughout the nation are confronting unparalleled mental health and learning challenges caused by their addiction to social media. It is imperative that these companies take responsibility for their role in this crisis affecting our youth,” Judy Mickens, the school board chair, said in a statement.
The lawsuit doesn’t specify the amounts of damages. However, the district is seeking financial compensation for mental health services it provides. In a statement to Fox 5, Google responded to the lawsuit’s allegations, calling the complaints “simply not true.”
